Ford is initiating a recall for over 600,000 vehicles in Canada and approximately 4.3 million in the U.S. due to a software defect that could lead to malfunctioning trailer brakes and exterior lights. The affected vehicles include select models of popular Ford vehicles such as the F-150 from 2021 to 2026, Super Duty trucks from 2022 to 2026, Rangers from 2024 to 2026, and Mavericks from 2022 to 2026.
To address this issue, Ford will provide an over-the-air software update for the impacted vehicles. Alternatively, customers can opt for mobile service or visit a Ford dealer for the update. The software update is expected to be accessible for most Canadian vehicles by the end of March, with all vehicles set to receive the update by the end of May.
The software glitch may interrupt communication between the vehicle and the trailer when towing, resulting in non-functional stop lamps and turn signals on the trailer. In certain cases, the trailer’s braking system may also be affected. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned that faulty trailer lights or brakes can compromise the driver’s control over the trailer, potentially heightening the risk of an accident.
Drivers will receive a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” notification and observe rapid flashing of the turn signal indicator if their vehicle experiences communication loss with the trailer. Although Ford is aware of 407 incidents possibly linked to the recall issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with it.
